India Is Preparing Biomass Atlas to Assess Renewable Energy Potential From Agro-Residues

India is implementing one of the world’s largest programmes in renewable energy. In order to realise this potential, a major inter-ministerial initiative is underway........

India is implementing one of the world’s largest programmes in renewable energy. A Biomass Atlas is under preparation which is expected to more accurately assess state-wise renewable energy potential from agro-residues.

In order to realise this potential, a major inter-ministerial initiative is underway: the production of a detailed atlas to accurately asses the nation-wide biomass resource base, including agricultural residues, that are suitable for conversion into energy:

India has 20 million hectares of wasteland from which a potential of 45,000 MW of biomass energy can be can be obtained if these wastelands can yield 10MT/ha/annum of woody biomass. These woody biomass have the calorific value of about 4000 k-cal/kg and these can be converted in biomass power plants with approximately 30% efficiency .

With the establishment of new sugar mills and modernization of existing ones, technically feasible potential for bagasse cogeneration is assessed at 5000 MW.And at present technically feasible municipal waste-to-energy potential is assessed at 1700 MW.

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